Bill > SB454

This bill establishes a presumption of workers' compensation eligibility for firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) experiencing infertility, which is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Under the new law, firefighters and EMTs who regularly responded to fire scenes or events involving radiation or known carcinogen exposure will be presumed to have developed infertility as a result of their job duties. The bill amends existing labor code to require insurance carriers to handle such claims under this new presumption, including providing notice of their investigation within 15 days of receiving a claim. When determining administrative penalties related to these claims, regulators will consider factors such as the employee's cooperation with the investigation and the insurance carrier's application of the new statutory presumption. The new provisions will apply only to workers' compensation claims filed on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met. This legislation aims to provide additional support and recognition for firefighters and EMTs who may experience reproductive health challenges as a result of their hazardous work environments.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB454